Scottish Environment Business Awards – The NEN

Sustainability success stories celebrated at 2023 VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards

Businesses from across Scotland have been recognised at the 24^th annual VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards.

Teaching sustainable survival skills to children, producing craft beers with sustainability at their core, and designing and manufacturing thermal storage batteries are just some of the efforts from organisations across Scotland recognised at the 2023 VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards.

Climate change remains top of the agenda for Scottish businesses, particularly food and drink producers who experienced another challenging summer due to water scarcity. VIBES recognises the drive for positive and radical environmental action as well as setting the bar high for other businesses to follow.

There were 11 winners and 4 commendations, which included three new awards categories: the Just Transition Scotland Award, the Vision in Business Scotland Award and the STV Green Fund Award at the annual awards which took place in Glasgow on Wednesday 8th November.

The winners and commendations from VIBES 2023 – Scottish Environment Business Awards are:

Vision in Business Scotland Award – Best Large Business

Sponsor – Chivas Brothers, Pernod Ricard

Winner = Tennent Caledonian Breweries UK Limited

Vision in Business Scotland Award – Best Medium Business

Sponsor – NDA

Winner = Scotmas Group

Vision in Business Scotland Award – Best Small Business

Sponsor – University of Stirling Management School

Winner = Windswept Brewing Co

Commendation = Dear Green Coffee Roasters

Vision in Business Scotland Award – Best New Business

Sponsor – NetRegs

Winner = ReBlade

Product Scotland Award

Sponsor – The Glenmorangie Company

Winner = Sunamp

Service Scotland Award

Sponsor – Zero Waste Scotland

Winner = The Alba Explorers Ltd

Commendation = Changeworks

Nature Rich Scotland Award

Sponsor – The Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Commendation = Nairn Dunbar Golf Club

Circular Scotland Award

Sponsor – Optimum Eco Group

Winner = Brewster Brothers

Commendation = The Furniture Project (Stranraer) Ltd

Just Transition Scotland Award

Sponsor – The University of Edinburgh

Winner = RI Cruden Ltd

Sustainable Transport Scotland Award

Sponsor – HARRIS MAXUS

Winner = Ember

Energy Transition Scotland Award

Sponsor – SSE Energy Solutions

Winner = RSE (Ross-shire Engineering)

Green Fund Award

Sponsor – STV

Winner = Ember

Ember, an Edinburgh based fully electric intercity bus travel company, grabbed two awards on the night, including a £30K campaign partnership with STV. Harvey Logan, Founders Associate, said:

“We are pleased to have won the VIBES Sustainable Transport Scotland award. Decarbonisation is at the heart of Ember and drives every aspect of our work. VIBES provides recognition of everything we’ve achieved so far, and the showcase of sustainable practices from all across Scottish business only inspires us to continue building and further grow our positive impact.”

“Winning the STV Green Fund Award is a fantastic added bonus. We are looking forward to using this airtime to share how we have embraced sustainability and inspire others to join us as we forge a path to net zero transport in Scotland.”

Gillian Bruce, Chair of VIBES, added: “Year on year, we see more businesses and organisations working towards net zero carbon emissions and reducing their impact on nature.

“It is a challenging journey but a necessary one if we are to stay below the global warming limit. Once again, this year’s VIBES winners are clearly demonstrating business cases for reducing their environmental footprint – highlighting the social benefits, as well as the positive economic impacts.

“Our hope is the efforts of our winners will encourage and inspire others to develop their environmental practices.”

Professor Russel Griggs, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, said: “The VIBES Awards highlight the significant steps many of our businesses are taking to help Scotland tackle the major challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change.

“It was fantastic to see five businesses and community groups from the South make it to the final stage, displaying the commitment of our region to sustainability and the Just Transition to Net Zero.

“There is great work going on in the South of Scotland and we look forward to more local businesses being acknowledged for their outstanding Net Zero efforts in the coming years by the VIBES Awards.”

You can find out more information about all the winners and commendations on the VIBES website.

Energy efficient businesses charge ahead at 2022 VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards

Empowering homeowners on their own journey to NetZero, using treated wastewater to provide heating, and developing technology solutions to save energy – just some of the planet protecting efforts from organisations across Scotland recognised at the 2022 VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.

Many businesses in Scotland have already felt the impact of climate change, such as food and drink producers who faced significant water scarcity during the summer. This furthers the drive for positive and radical environmental action and VIBES recognises those leading the way and setting the bar high for others to follow.

There were 12 winners at the annual awards in Glasgow on Tuesday 1 November, whittled down from 45 finalists and a record breaking 422 applicants across Scotland. At a time when saving energy has never felt more important, more than half of the winners cited such action as key to their plans for success and a third were named winners for their innovation in becoming more efficient.

A new Energy Transition Scotland Award was also added to the categories this year.

VIBES is a partnership between the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), The Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highland & Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Scottish Water, Zero Waste Scotland and NatureScot.

The winners of the 2022 VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards are:

Adapting Scotland Award – Highlands Rewilding Ltd
Circular Scotland Award – Kenoteq
Engaging Scotland Award – The Highland Council
Hydro Nation Scotland Award – Green Action Trust
Innovating Scotland Award – Innovatium Group
Leadership Scotland Award – Bruichladdich Distillery Co Ltd
Moving Scotland Award – Arran Dairies Ltd
Partnership Scotland Award – Renfrewshire Council
Product or Service Scotland Award – ThermaFY Eco
Energy Transition Scotland Award – Multiplex Construction Europe
Nature Rich Scotland Award – SRUC Elmwood Golf
Small Business Scotland Award – EGG Lighting

Richard Lochhead, Scottish Government Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work addressed the Awards and presented the Leadership Scotland Award. Mr Lochhead said: “The VIBES awards are a fantastic demonstration of the work that businesses all across Scotland are doing to protect our environment and tackle the climate crisis.

“I would like to congratulate all the winners and I hope they will offer inspiration and ideas to other businesses looking to make their work more sustainable.”

Darren Pike, Project Director at Multiplex Construction Europe, winner of the Energy Transition Scotland Award said: “We are delighted to be recognised by the VIBES judges for our commitment to environmental best practice.

“The built environment will play a critical role in delivering Scotland’s Net Zero targets and we believe this award shows that we are on the right path.

“We work collaboratively with Clients and supply chain partners who share our values and look forward to building on these relationships to go further with our decarbonisation and broader sustainability ambitions.”

Laura McGadie, Group Head of Energy, Energy Saving Trust, said: “Through our work delivering energy saving support to businesses in Scotland, we see first-hand the positive steps that many organisations are taking to reduce carbon and contribute to a net zero society.

“We are delighted to support the VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards to help showcase a cross section of inspirational businesses and we congratulate this year’s winners.

“It’s great to highlight the benefits that they are seeing as a result of taking steps to reduce their impact on the environment, so that others can be inspired to act too.”

Since 1999, VIBES has recognised more than 270 businesses championing sustainability and taking steps to protect the resources of our planet. Their dedication and action, from increasing recycling to supporting active travel, has been at the forefront of tackling climate change.

Franceska van Dijk, Deputy Chair of SEPA and one of the head judging panel of this year’s awards commented: “Scotland is famous for its culture of innovation, making it ideally positioned to play a leading role in the journey to a more sustainable, low carbon future.

“We all have a role to play in tackling climate challenges, and it’s particularly significant for businesses. From creating innovative services and products to partnering with suppliers and supporting customers, all our entrants demonstrated a commitment to making the environment a key factor in decision making.”

Gillian Bruce, Chair of VIBES, added: “Every year, we see more and more businesses and organisations who are working towards net zero carbon emissions, which is a challenging but necessary journey.

“This year’s VIBES winners are clearly demonstrating business cases for reducing their environmental footprint – highlighting the social benefits, as well as the positive economic impacts. We hope the efforts of our winners will encourage and inspire others to develop their environmental practices.”

More information is available on the VIBES website.

Finalists announced for the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards

More than 40 firms across Scotland are in the running to secure a prestigious VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Award.

A record number of entrants for the 2022 awards have been narrowed down to 45 finalists – from across a range of industries including food and drink, construction and life sciences. They will all be considered for one or more categories ahead of the award ceremony later this year.

Scotland is famous for its culture of innovation, making it ideally positioned to play a leading role in the journey to a more sustainable, low carbon future.

The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards are a partnership between the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), The Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highland & Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Scottish Water, Zero Waste Scotland and NatureScot.

Since 1999, the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards has recognised more than 270 businesses that have championed sustainability by identifying ways to tackle the impact on the planet by reducing consumption of its resources.

From increasing recycling and facilitating active travel to reducing consumption of raw materials by adopting a more circular approach, the dedication and drive of companies in Scotland at the forefront of tackling environmental change has been recognised by the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.

Gillian Bruce, chair of VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, said: “Every year, the VIBES Awards highlight the progress made across Scotland to help move towards net zero.

“We see more and more firms and organisations who recognise environmental innovation and best practice can also bring economic benefits and it is always inspiring to hear entrants tell us about their work.

“Scotland is a leader in climate change action and every business can play a part in leading Scotland to Net Zero. We hope the finalists will encourage others to improve their environmental practices and help to safeguard Scotland for future generations.”

Environment Minister, Mairi McAllan, said: “Businesses have a huge role to play in protecting our environment and tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss and I would like to congratulate all those that have been shortlisted.

“The VIBES awards are a great opportunity to recognise businesses that are showing leadership in making their operations more sustainable as part of Scotland’s journey to net zero.”

Around three quarters of this year’s applicants have entered VIBES for the first time. Two of the 12 categories – Nature Rich Scotland and Energy Transition Scotland – are new awards.

In the next stage, judges will interview each finalist or take part in a site visit, where finalists will be able to demonstrate their work. This will be fed back to the head judging panel, who will select the 2022 winners.

A full list of finalists:

Adelphi Distillery Ltd., (Ardnamurchan Distillery)
Aqualution Systems Ltd
Arran Dairies LTD Arran Milk & Arran Ice Cream Taste of Arran LTD
Balbeg Country Holidays
Beyond Green Advisors Ltd
BlueGreen Glasgow
Borders College
Bruichladdich Distillery Co Ltd
Dundee Rep & Scottish Dance Theatre Limited
Dunnet Bay Distillers Ltd
Edinburgh International Festival
Edinburgh Remakery
EGG Lighting
Frasers of Balmaha
Fresh as a Daisy (Dunblane) Ltd
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce
Green Action Trust
Hickory
Highland Meats
Highlands Rewilding Ltd
Hydrowheel Ltd
Innovatium Group
Kenoteq Ltd
KR Group
Logitech
Move On Wood Recycling
Multiplex Construction Europe
Omexom Morgan Sindall JV (unincorporated joint venture)
ReBlade Limited
Recyke a Bike
Redeem Exchange
Renfrewshire Council
Saltire Roofing & Building Ltd
SAMS Enterprise – Seaweed Academy
SAMS Enterprise – SIMBA
SRUC Elmwood Golf
The Highland Council
The Leith Collective CIC
ThermaFY Group
Total Homes Co-operative
University of Strathclyde
Verlume
Wood Recyclability
Woodlands Glencoe
YES Recycling Fife and Ecosheet

Scotland’s green businesses urged to enter VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards

Scottish businesses championing environmental practice and products have until April 29 to apply to showcase their eco-excellence to be in with a chance of securing a prestigious VIBES Scottish Environment Business Award.

The VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards are a partnership between the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), The Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highland & Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Scottish Water, Zero Waste Scotland and NatureScot.

More than 2,500 applications have been received since the awards began in 1999. Since then, more than 270 businesses of all sizes with a green ethos, who have identified ways to tackle the impact on the planet by reducing consumption on its resources, have been recognised.

This has included products and services which increase recycling, facilitate active travel, reduce the use of raw materials by adopting a more circular approach and many more.

Two new categories have been introduced for VIBES 2022:

· The Nature Rich Scotland Award – open to businesses being proactive in protecting or enhancing nature and connecting people with wildlife.

· The Energy Transition Scotland Award – open to businesses demonstrating decarbonisation and a significant change in the ways they use or produce energy to minimise their impact on the environment.

There will be awards in 12 categories at VIBES 2022.

Last year, Brewster Bros was a VIBES Outstanding Achievement Award winner. The firm specialises in sustainable resource management for the construction industry at their Livingston recycling plant by processing construction, demolition and excavation (CDE) waste into industry standard recycled aggregates and other recycled products, which are then sold back to the construction industry.

Brewster Bros impressed the judges with their commitment to a circular business model and their drive to change behaviours within the construction sector.

Scott Brewster, managing director of Brewster Bros, said: “We run our plant on a renewable energy tariff and so far, we have managed to recycle 90% of our process water. We also fuel our HGVs on hydrotreated vegetable oil rather than traditional diesel and operate a ‘backload’ system to ensure as few empty lorry loads as possible enter/exit our facility.

“80% of our vehicle movements are loaded which results in 1000 tonnes of CO2 savings per year. 

“We are passionate and committed to continual improvement, working with partners to identify new opportunities and develop learning. We would like to thank the VIBES judging panel for recognising our efforts in reducing our environmental impact. The application process highlighted our environmental good practice to our staff and uncovered further room for improvement.” 

All VIBES applicants receive tailored feedback and guidance and signposted to further free help, where appropriate. More information on this can be found on the VIBES website.

Bob Downes, chair of SEPA and head of the VIBES judging panel, said: “Many firms are showing that environmental innovation and best practice can also bring economic benefits, which is helping highlight Scotland as a leader in climate change action.

“Every business can play a role in leading Scotland to Net Zero. The VIBES awards recognise those businesses that are leading the transition to a net zero emissions economy through innovation, partnerships, circular economy, adaptation and a commitment to making the environment a key factor in decision making.

“Creative and pioneering organisations will be those who champion best practice and create sustainable goods, products and services through leadership, innovation and ambition, making a positive environmental impact protecting our planet for future generations.

“If your business fits that bill, there is still time for you to showcase how you are achieving your environmental business goals ahead of April’s submissions deadline.”

Finalists will be announced in June 2022.

To obtain an application form please contact vibes@sepa.org.uk . Businesses have until 5pm on 29 April 2022 to submit their free application.

For more informant on VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, please visit https://www.vibes.org.uk/.

Search on for top green businesses as entries open for VIBES Scottish Environment Business Awards

Entries are now open for VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, and companies across Scotland of all sizes with a green ethos that have demonstrated significant business benefits from good environmental practice are being encouraged to enter.

The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards are a partnership between the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), The Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highland & Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Scottish Water, Zero Waste Scotland and NatureScot.

This year’s award categories include: Leadership Scotland, Innovating Scotland, Product Scotland, Service Scotland, Hydro Nation Scotland, Circular Scotland, Moving Scotland, Adapting Scotland, Engaging Scotland, Partnership Scotland, Small Business Scotland.

Businesses in Scotland have already felt the impact of the risks associated with climate change, and food producers and whisky distillers were faced with water scarcity last summer furthering the drive for positive and radical environmental action.

Organisations are being encouraged to follow the example of firms such as Vegware and Paterson Arran Ltd. who have shown that environmental best practice can also bring economic benefits including financial savings, an engaged workforce, positive working culture and improved competitiveness as well as contributing towards a better economy and society as a whole.

Since its inception in 1999, the VIBES Scottish Business Awards, have recognised and rewarded businesses that have championed sustainability by identifying ways to tackle the impact on the planet by reducing consumption on its resources.

This has included everything from increasing recycling and facilitating active travel to reducing consumption of raw materials by adopting a more circular approach.

Bob Downes, chair of SEPA and head of the VIBES judging panel, said: “Scotland is a leader in climate change action and successful businesses recognise the economic benefit from driving environmental innovation and best practice.

“Every business in the country has a role to play in leading Scotland to Net Zero. The VIBES awards recognise those businesses that are developing sustainable solutions and helping to achieve net zero of all greenhouse gases by 2045.

“We are looking for entries from businesses who are taking the lead in the transition to a net zero emissions economy through innovation, partnerships, circular economy, adaptation and a commitment to making the environment a key factor in decision making.

“These creative and pioneering organisations will be those who champion best practice and create sustainable goods, products and services through leadership, innovation and ambition, making a positive environmental impact protecting our plant for future generations.”

Finalists will be announced in June.

To obtain an application form please contact vibes@sepa.org.uk.

Businesses have until 5pm on 29 April 2022 to submit their free application.

For more informant on VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, please visit www.vibes.org.uk.

Businesses setting good environmental example secure prestigious awards

The dedication and drive of companies in Scotland at the forefront of tackling environmental change has been recognised by the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.

At a time when Glasgow is preparing to host the COP26 climate change conference, this year’s awards also celebrate the actions and achievements of businesses working towards reaching net-zero carbon emissions.

A multi-agency judging panel recently selected 35 businesses from across the country to receive prestigious Good Practice Awards and praised their commitment to good environmental practice. From that prestigious list, 12 winners will be shortlisted on Friday 17 September for a further ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’.

The announcement has come as part of Scotland’s Climate Week 2021, which runs from 13 to 19 September.

Climate Week aims to raise awareness, showcase climate leadership, and encourage action, building momentum ahead of the UN climate negotiations, known as COP26, coming to Glasgow in November.

Terry A’Hearn, CEO of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and head of the VIBES judging panel said: “In a few weeks time the eyes of the world will be on Scotland as global leaders gather to accelerate the actions required to address the enormous climate challenges we face.

“VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards, linked to SEPA’s ambitious ‘One Planet Prosperity’ strategy, recognise Scotland’s leading businesses who show a real commitment to sustainable goods, products and services through leadership, innovation and ambition.

“I would like to congratulate all the finalists who have shown Scotland can be at the forefront of finding sustainable solutions to tackle the climate emergency.”

The organisations receiving awards represent a wide range of business sizes, sectors and are from locations across Scotland.

Gillian Bruce VIBES Chair said: “Despite the very significant challenges of the past two years, the high quality of entries has been hugely encouraging.

“It is important that we recognise those who are addressing the urgent environmental issues we face and praise the example they are setting for others.”

A virtual awards ceremony to congratulate the award winners will take place on Tuesday 19 October 2021 at 10.30am.

The event is backed by key economic and business development agencies and leading environmental bodies including The Scottish Government, SEPA, Scottish Enterprise, NatureScot, Scottish Water, Zero Waste Scotland, South of Scotland Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Energy Saving Trust.

The Scottish Government Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work Richard Lochhead, said: “Scotland has always been famous for its innovation and pioneering spirit, and businesses and private sector organisations across the country now have a real opportunity to seize the economic opportunities that our journey to a net-zero economy presents – and indeed are already doing so.

“As we celebrate Climate Week and highlight the action being taken to tackle climate change, it is fitting that that these organisations are being recognised for the work they are doing to create more sustainable and climate-friendly business practices. My congratulations go to each of the companies highlighted today and I look forward to joining them at this year’s award ceremony”

The 12 businesses shortlisted for the ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ are:

European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), Orkney – the world’s first facility for demonstrating and testing wave and tidal energy converters in the sea and carry out pioneering work in the area of green hydrogen technology.
Glaze and Save, Perth – magnetic secondary glazing and draughtproofing specialists. Their bespoke magnetic glazing turns single glazed into double glazed windows without window replacement or redecoration, saving energy while reducing waste.
MacArthur Green, Glasgow is supporting projects that are beneficial to the environment, mostly in the areas of renewable energy, transmission networks, and nature conservation guidance.
Renewable Parts Ltd, sites in Lochgilphead and Renfrewshire – taking a circular approach to their operations and are responsible for retrofitting and repairing wind turbines throughout the UK.
The Ethical Dairy, Gatehouse of Fleet, is harnessing natural systems for ecological, sustainability and animal welfare gains.
Adelphi Distillery Ltd, Glenbeg, Argyle has a low carbon approach for production of whisky including using renewable energy powered stills and a circular economy methodology for waste.
The Polycrub Company, Shetland, works with the aquaculture industry to reuse and recycle waste pipe. These are incorporated into a material that can withstand winds of 120 miles an hour so is therefore suitable for growing fresh produce in otherwise hostile environments.
Scottish Sea Farms, Mull, has implemented a number of measures to reduce the use of fossil fuels which have reduced both carbon emissions and operating costs.
WEEE Scotland Ltd, Glasgow, recycling waste electronic and electrical equipment and machinery.
Brewster Brothers Ltd, Livingston, has a recycling plant that turns construction, demolition and excavation (CDE) waste into industry standard recycled aggregates and other recycled products to sell back into the construction industry.
Tennent Caledonian, Glasgow, has invested in a sustainability programme and have significantly reduced energy and water use and their emissions.
ACS Clothing Ltd, Motherwell, provided the fashion industry with a circular approach that eliminates waste and pollution whilst providing retailers with additional revenue

The Edinburgh Remakery and Lothian Buses are among the 35 ‘Good Practice Award’ finalists.

Last call to find Edinburgh’s Green Business Champions

The search for Scotland’s best green businesses draws to a close this week – Edinburgh companies have just ONE DAY left to enter the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards. The awards, which are free to enter, are calling on businesses of all sizes and sectors across Scotland who are implementing sustainable practices to get in touch and apply before 5pm tomorrow (Friday 27 April 2018). Continue reading Last call to find Edinburgh’s Green Business Champions

Good VIBES for Edinburgh businesses

Businesses in Edinburgh are being urged to act now to embrace the economic opportunity of sustainability by the VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.The leading environmental awards underlined the need for urgent action to address the environmental challenges currently faced as well as highlighting the potential business benefits which this can deliver. Continue reading Good VIBES for Edinburgh businesses